DISCOVER THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ONE MEMBER PER COUNCIL PER MONTH SHOOTING FOR THE STARS! Program & Membership Guide

Transcription

1 KANSAS STATE COUNCIL DISCOVER THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ONE MEMBER PER COUNCIL PER MONTH SHOOTING FOR THE STARS! Program & Membership Guide...A Catholic, Family, Fraternal, Service Organization For Official State Council Use Only

2 The 10 Steps to Recruiting Success: 1. Set Council Goals and Quotas 2. Organize Council Campaign 3. Set Recruitment Teams of 2 Men 4. Develop Prospect List 5. Set Teams Recruiting 6. Visit Prospect Personally 7. Sign Up Candidate 8. Ensure Candidate of Degrees 9. Complete Your Duties As A Proposer 10. Recruit Another Member ONE MEMBER PER COUNCIL PER MONTH SHOOTING FOR THE STARS!

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAM AND MEMBERSHIP GUIDE The Kansas State Council directed by State Deputy Patrick D. Winchester has assembled the following personnel to help your Council enjoy a successful year. USE THIS GUIDE. DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL THE APPROPRIATE MEMBER. CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES 1, 2 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Bob Duffin (620) , 4 New Council Development Barney Wolters (316) Recruitment John Schulz (785) Council Growth and Development Patrick Burnett (785) & Round Table Kenneth Hammerbacher (785) Retention Michael Johnston (785) Ceremonials Thomas Rottinghaus (785) Major Degree Requirements Thomas Rottinghaus (785) INSURANCE East General Agent John Mahon (785) Central General Agent Greg Schafer (316) West General Agent George Spinelli (785) PROGRAM DIRECTOR Todd Bachamp (913) Scrapbooks Todd Bachamp (913) CHURCH ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Bruce Luehring (316) Vocations Promotion Bruce Luehring (316) Religious Education Fund Rev. Ted Stoecklein (620) Religious Education Fund Raising Tom Halbleib (785) Father McGivney Guild John Kasper (785) YOUTH ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Stephen Steve Abels (913) Squires Michael Mike Barnard (785) State Father Prior Rev. Daniel Gardner (785) FAMILY ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Ed Schmeidler (785) COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Paul Haverkamp (913) Special Olympics Paul Haverkamp (913) Commitment to Humanities Paul Haverkamp (913) Pennies From Heaven Richard Broz, Jr. (620) CULTURE OF LIFE DIRECTOR Culture of Life Thomas Schmeidler (316) Evangelium Vitae Award Thomas Schmeidler (316) COUNCIL ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Mike Grothoff (913) Athletic Events & Health Services Mike Grothoff (913) , 28 Fraternal Activities Gary Wondra (620) Publicity Gary Wondra (620) Webmaster Doug Wietharn (785) Knight s-lite Todd Bachamp (913) History James Pritchard (913) CHARITIES AID FOUNDATION Francis Drouhard (620) FOURTH DEGREE Guy Steier (785) Program & Membership Guide

4 KANSAS STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES Most of the dates are deadlines. The actual work on the program should be done well in advance of the date shown. ALWAYS look one month ahead. Requirements for the Star Council Award are underlined. Ref/Pg MONTHLY Hold Fundraisers for Pennies from Heaven and Culture of Life 24, 25 Select your Family of the Month and submit to Supreme 21 Select your Knight of the Month and submit to Fraternal Chairman 29 Sign up a new member One Member Per Council Per Month Shooting for the Stars 3, 4 Fulfill your Adopt-A-Seminarian pledge 15 JULY Regional District Meetings Begin District Deputy Installation Meeting in Topeka 12 Distribution of Applications/Reply Statements & Tickets for Religious Education Fund Drawing to District Deputies 16, Regional District Meetings in Dodge City, Topeka, Shawnee, Hiawatha District Deputies to distribute Applications/Reply Statements & Tickets for Religious Ed. Fund Drawing to Grand Knights at all Regional District Meetings Regional District Meeting in Plainville, Wichita, Parsons, Salina, Oakley, Pratt th Annual State Golf Tournament in Emporia hosted by 727 Emporia Deadline for ordering Soccer Challenge Kit 19 AUGUST 1 Form #365 Service Program Personnel Report due at Supreme rd Supreme Council Meeting in Philadelphia, PA 4 Columbian Squires 90 th Anniversary Knights of Columbus Family Week th Anniversary of the death of Fr. Michael J. McGivney 15 Form #1295 Semi-Annual Audit Report due at Supreme 24 Deadline for receipt of articles for the Knight s Lite th Sunday Rosary Prayer Service and or Corporate Communion Deadline for ordering Tootsie Rolls 23 SEPTEMBER 1 Form #468 Columbian Squires Officers & Counselors Report Due 11 Knights of Columbus World Day of Prayer for Peace 29 Deadline for Religious Education Fund requests 16 OCTOBER Respect Life Month 04 Respect Life Sunday ( participate in life chains culture of life rallies ect.) Conduct Tootsie Roll Campaign Columbus Day Observed (National Holiday) 24 4 th Degree Exemplification at Dodge City 25 Deadline for Grand Knights to return Religious Education Fund Drawing Donations & Extra Tickets to District Deputy Deadline to report Soccer Challenge reports to Supreme & State Council 19 NOVEMBER Remember Deceased Brother Knights with a Memorial Mass 1 Deadline for District Deputies to return Religious Education Fund Drawing Donations & Extra Tickets to State Religious Education Fund Chairman 17 1 Submit checks & Tootsie Roll Report Forms to State Treasurer 23 1 Deadline to order Free Throw Kits from Supreme th Degree Exemplification in Overland Park (Ascension) 29 5 th Sunday Rosary Prayer Service and or Corporate Communion 14 DECEMBER Keep Christ in Christmas. Review Programming & Membership Goals 1 Light Up For Christ 1 Deadline to submit a bid to host the 2016 State Sporting Clays Shoot Mid-year District Deputy meeting in Wichita 5 Drawing for prizes Religious Education Fund Deadline to submit Tootsie Roll Reports & Checks to State Treasurer Program & Membership Guide Page 1

5 JANUARY Support Culture of Life Activities 1-31 Council Free Throw Contests completed by end of month Conduct 14 th Annual Culture of Life Baby Shower Deadline for receipt of articles for the Knight s Lite rd Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade Decision 22 Deadline for requests to host 2017 Fraternal Year State Bowling Tourney 27, Form #1728 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activities Report due at Supreme Form #4584 Partnership Profile Report th Sunday Rosary Prayer Service and or Corporate Communion 14 FEBRUARY Sponsor BLUE MASS District Free Throw Contests first two weeks 19 Regional Free Throw Contests last two weeks 19 Select Council Knight of the Year at monthly meeting 29 Select Council Family of the Year at monthly meeting Submit Squire Circle & Counselor of the Year Applications to Squires Chairman Form #1295 Semi-Annual Audit Report due at Supreme 15 Deadline for Council Substance Abuse Poster Contest Winners to District Deputy nd Annual Men s Bowling Tournament in Lawrence (1st weekend) nd Annual Men s Bowling Tournament in Lawrence (2 nd weekend) 28 MARCH 1 Deadline for District Substance Abuse Poster Contest Winners to State Chairman 19 1 Deadline for bids to host Fraternal Year Sporting Clays Tourney nd Annual Men s Bowling Tournament in Lawrence (3 rd weekend) 28 6 State Free Throw Contest in Salina Deadline for Council Knight of the Year to District Deputy Deadline for Council Family of the Year to District Deputy Deadline for Council Vocations Poster Contest winners to District Deputy Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays Deadline for District Knight of the Year to Diocesan Judge Deadline for District Family of the Year to Diocesan Judge Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child Deadline for District Vocations Poster Contest Winners to Vocations Chairman Founder s Day, 134 th Anniversary of Knights of Columbus APRIL 1 Deadline to fulfill Adopt-A-Seminarian Pledge 15 1 Submit RSVP Refund/Plaque Applications to Supreme 15 1 Deadline for Diocesan Knight of the Year Winners to Fraternal Chairman 29 1 Deadline for Scrapbook entries of Best single activity in areas of Youth, Family, Church, Council, Culture of Life & Community to appropriate Director 12 1 Deadline to submit Culture of Life Report Form to Culture of Life Director 25 1 Deadline to submit Council History Reports to State Historian 32 1 Deadline to submit EVANGELIUM VITAE AWARD applications th Degree Exemplification at Schulte 2-3 State Columbian Squires Convention (Derby) 16 4 th Degree Exemplification at Leawood (St. Michael) 17 World Day of Prayer for Vocations State Convention in Wichita 30 Pennies Fund Deadline At NOON Saturday of Convention. 24 MAY 1 State Convention in Wichita 29 5 th Sunday Rosary Prayer Service and or Corporate Communion 14 JUNE 4 4 th Degree Exemplification at Manhattan 16 Deadline for receipt of articles for the Knight s Lite Deadline to submit bid for 2017 State Golf Tournament Columbian Award Application (SP-7) due at Supreme 12 JULY Form #185 Report of Officers due at Supreme th Annual State Golf Tourney in Emporia ( Host Council #727 ) Program & Membership Guide Page 2

6 STATE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW: This year s membership theme is SHOOTING FOR THE STARS! This theme was chosen to encourage all Councils to achieve the coveted Star Council Award this year. Achieving Star Council is the highest achievement for any Council in any given Fraternal Year, and all Councils should strive to obtain this award. Membership is usually considered the most difficult of the Star Council Award Criteria to obtain. The State Membership Team goal is to assist all Councils in obtaining this award. Membership in the Knights of Columbus gives the opportunity for a man to be a better husband, father, parishioner, and member of the community. With this in mind, all Councils should try to bring in as many good men into the order as possible and help these men and their families achieve a greater pride and participation in their faith, family and community. Councils have several tools at their disposal to assist them in recruiting new members and to retain them once they become members. A great resource is the Membership Playbook, located on the front page of the Kansas Knights of Columbus Website ( The Membership Playbook, along with any aid and assistance that our Membership Team can provide, should help your Council on its way to membership success. The State Membership Team is dedicated to growing the order to new heights in Kansas. This year, Kansas will be divided into four regions that will align with the four dioceses of Kansas. Membership Chairmen assigned to each region will work within their regions to help councils in recruiting new members, retaining existing members, identify opportunities to form new councils, and to establish Round Tables. KANSAS MEMBERSHIP REGIONS: The districts in each region are included in the list below: Northeast: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 Southeast: 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Southwest: 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 47, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55 Northwest: 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 37, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 51, 52 Bringing new members in to the Knights of Columbus is always a top priority so the Order will continue to grow. However, Councils must keep new members involved so that they will remain active and feel that they are a part of something. Retaining members that are in danger of suspension is also in important task in keep members on the rosters and to keep our order strong. KANSAS INCENTIVES AND AWARDS: To generate enthusiasm for recruitment, the State Council is offering the following incentives and awards for individual members, Councils, and District Deputies: Individual Members- The top ten individual recruiters in each region will receive a prize for his efforts. -First place winners will receive $150, second place winners $100 and third place winners $50. The 4 th - 10 th place winners will receive Knights of Columbus portfolios. Councils- Every council that holds a first degree in a month will have their council enrolled in a drawing to win a grilling apron that states EVERYTHING TASTES RIGHT WHEN COOKED BY A KNIGHT. If a council holds two first degrees in a given month then their council will be in the drawing twice, etc. The State Council will be giving away an apron every month and all councils are eligible. The State Council will also award each Grand Knight a Kansas State Membership Club 2016 shirt with the Knights of Columbus logo if his Council achieves 100% or more of its membership quota. Any council that achieve a net gain of 100 or more in the fraternal year will receive the Century Club Award and be awarded a $1000 U.S Savings Bond. In addition, to get off to a good start the $5.00 state per capita will be credited for each new or reactivated member that joins a council during July, August and September of Additional council awards include: The Father McGivney Award for achievement of membership quota The Founder s Award for achievement of insurance quota The Columbian Award for success in programming and submission of form SP7 by June 30, 2015 and the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (Form 1728 which is due on January 31, 2016) Double (200% of Membership Quota), Triple (300%) and Quadruple (400%) Star Award for achievement of membership quota Program & Membership Guide Page 3

7 District Deputies- District Deputies who achieve 100% of membership quota or more will receive a Kansas State Membership Club 2016 jacket. Each District Deputy that achieves 150% of membership quota or more will also receive a Kansas State Membership Club 2016 golf shirt with the Knights of Columbus logo. District Deputies who achieve a gross intake during the fraternal year of 10% of the district membership on July 1 of 2016 will receive a gold Knights of Columbus Skagen wristwatch. When a new council is chartered, the District Deputy responsible will receive a plaque with a copy of the Council charter on it. Additional district deputy awards are: Star District Award for achievement of 100% of the district membership and insurance goal. Double Star District Award for achievement of the insurance goal and 200% of membership goal. Triple Star District Award for achievement of the insurance goal and 300% of membership goal. All Star District Award achieved when all councils in the district received Star Council Awards for which the district deputy will receive an All Star District personalized jacket. SUPREME RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES AND AWARDS: In addition to incentives and awards from the Kansas State Council, Supreme also offers incentives and awards for individual recruiters, Councils, and District Deputies. These can be found here: KANSAS MEMBERSHIP GOALS: Every Council Membership Active Every Council Star Council Every District Membership Active Every District Star District A minimum of one first degree in every district every month 55 major degrees this Fraternal Year Keep suspensions low Century Club winner SUPREME MEMBERSHIP GOALS: Just as every Council goal should be to obtain the Star Council Award, the Supreme Council award recognizing success for jurisdictions is the Circle of Honor Award. Supreme Membership Goals for Kansas to obtain the Circle of Honor Award are as follows: 1300 Gross Intake 900 Net (Intake (Suspensions + Withdraws) 300 Net/Net (Intake (Suspensions + Withdraws + Deaths + Out of State Transfers)) 45 Star Councils 50 Round Tables 3 Council Reactivations State Membership Team Membership Director Regional Membership Chairman - Northeast Regional Membership Chairman - Southeast Regional Membership Chairman - Southwest Regional Membership Chairman - Northwest State Retention Chairman State Ceremonials Chairman Robert (Bob) Duffin John W. Schulz Barney Walters Patrick W. Burnett Ken Hammerbacher Mike C. Antholz Tom Rottinghaus Robert J. Duffin State Membership Director membership@kansas-kofc.org (H) (M) Program & Membership Guide Page 4

8 NEW COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT Shooting for the Stars As the leaders of the Knights of Columbus in Kansas, you have a great opportunity to drive growth in our Order by promoting the development of new Councils. Helping individual councils achieve the coveted Star Council status is a priority this year. Banding together to produce results is what Knights do best. This year we ask that you all unite with us and help seek opportunities to spread our good works to new parishes, campuses, ethnic communities, military bases, etc. Everyone can contribute to keeping faith with our Founder s vision of a council for every parish. Below are some basic guidelines to follow when considering a new council: Access the Supreme website and download New Council Development guidelines. These are easily accessed and easy to read and follow Survey the area. Work with your team to determine if the existing councils continue to attract a vast majority of Catholic men in the area Contact the Pastor after determining potential exists, meet with the Pastor to seek his input and gain his support to proceed Contact the State Membership Team, State Deputy and Field Agent. Set a date for the initial recruitment drive and organize initial meeting(s). Provide the pastor with a pulpit announcement and a notice for the parish bulletin. Be prepared to hand out literature after all masses. Invite the wives to the meeting The State Membership Team is committed to growing the Knights of Columbus in Kansas. We are also eager for your success and very willing to help in any way we can as we all keep Shooting for the Stars! Bernard Wolters Regional Membership Chairman membership-se@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 5

9 STATE RECRUITMENT PROGRAM The goal of every Council in the state is to be a Star Council. This year we are Shooting For The Stars. The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achievement in insurance, service program activities and most importantly membership growth. Men want to be a part of a winning team. By obtaining Star Council, it says to everyone in your parish and community that your Council is a winner. Winning breeds success and makes it easier to recruit more members. Without membership growth, we as a brotherhood cannot live up to our main principles of charity and caring for the widow and orphan. Recruiting starts with a dedicated Membership Director. This Director is vital to achieving your membership goals. The Membership Director has to know his market, create a team around him and be a trainer. The Membership Director should receive a copy of the Surge with Service CD at the beginning of the year from the Grand Knight. The CD contains many valuable tools to assist in the various aspects of recruitment. The membership team needs to start in July to put together a plan that includes creating a prospect list to reach the goal set by Supreme. Plan church drives in October and March. Give presentations to various parish groups such as RCIA, youth groups or any parish organization that might have men interested in joining the Knights of Columbus. Also make sure to be visible at church. With your pastor s permission, have pamphlets located in high traffic areas so people can pick them up and read about what the Knights do. Let the people of the parish know what the Knights do for your parish and community. The most important tool to recruiting and one that everything else supports is simple face-to-face conversations with prospects. To put it simply, YOU HAVE TO ASK a man to become a Knight. Rarely will people just show up and say I want to be a Knight. Talk to the men of your parish and tell them why they should be a Knight. Other key people who can help recruit include your parish priest, your Field Agent and spouses. Use the Father Wants You campaign. Communicating regularly with the Council Field Agent and spouses can be vital as well. Many times, your spouse can talk with the wife of a prospect to help ensure that the prospect joins the organization. The State Membership team wants to help you be successful. We want to work with you to help assemble the tools necessary to achieve our goals. Keep Shooting For The Stars! John W. Schulz Regional Membership Chairman membership-ne@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 6

10 COUNCIL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT & ROUND TABLE PROGRAM Council Growth and Development is an important aspect in insuring a vital and functioning Council. Is your Council struggling with Membership or Programming? Is attendance at meetings low? Are meetings long, drawn out affairs? Is your Council in danger of becoming non-existent? The purpose of Council Growth and Development is to help keep problems like these from becoming even greater problems: Council suspension and/or disbanding. If your Council is suffering from any of these problems, make sure that your Council is doing the following: Announcing upcoming meetings in the church bulletin and via , Facebook or Twitter. Make sure that meetings follow the proper meeting protocol, are run in a smart and timely fashion, and end in a reasonable amount of time. Develop and stick to both Programming and Membership Plans of Action. These plans should include upcoming dates and deadlines. Refer to the Fraternal Success Planner and make sure you use the Planning feature in the far right column of each month to help plan upcoming activities. Remember that Fraternalism is the Third Principle of our Order. Is your Council offering any kind of social activity before and/or after a meeting? Is your Council offering any incentive, such as drawings or prizes for attending meetings? Are new members being actively recruited to participate in Council Activities and functions? Is your Council staying in touch with and involved with existing members? Remember that members joined for a reason. If they are not involved, they won t remain members for long! The Parish Round Table Program The Parish Round Table Program is a unique way for knights to serve a parish not ready to institute a new council. This program allows small parishes that are not large enough to support a council, or parishes with different ethnicities to extend the services of the Knights of Columbus to these parishes. With the approval of the parish priest a Parish Round Table Coordinator is appointed and works closely with the parish priest. This program allows every priest, parish, and culture to experience the tremendous manpower of the Knights of Columbus. Patrick Burnett Kenneth Hammerbacher Regional Membership Chairman Regional Membership Chairman membership-sw@kansas-kofc.org membership-nw@kansas-kofc.org (M) (M) (H) Program & Membership Guide Page 7

11 RETENTION PROGRAM This year as every year our goal is to keep suspensions as low as possible. It is vital to the growth of the Knights of Columbus that we retain our current members. We need every member to take an active role in the retention process. When we bring a new member into the Knights of Columbus we need to teach them how to be an active Knight by being a 24 Hour Knight. To be a 24 Hour Knight means spending: 6 Hours a year attending council sponsored activities 4 Hours a year attending council meetings 4 Hours a year volunteering for different council fund drives 4 Hours a year enjoying with his family council social functions such as dinners, dances, picnics and etc. 4 Hours a year attending with his family corporate communions or prayer services. 1 Hour per year reading the council bulletin, the council or supreme websites. 1 Hour per year visiting with a Knights of Columbus Insurance agent. Retention efforts start as soon as the First Degree has been conferred on a new member by assigning them a mentor to encourage them to receive the 2 nd and 3 rd degrees. Use the Knights in Shining Armor program to give newly recruited Knights goals to meet during their first year of Knighthood. These goals are: attend at least 3 meetings, work on 3 council service programs, become a 3 rd Degree Knight, meet with their Insurance Agent and recruit one new member. By using the Fraternity in Action calling tree you can communicate with all members and let them know date, time and location of all activities and encourage their involvement. Keep members and their families involved in council activities. Encourage all Knights to keep their address and phone number updated any time that it changes, this will help keep a lot of members from being suspended. If they do loose contact a council can use the Intelius Premier web site to help locate them Establish your retention committee to examine reasons why the Knight became inactive and let their membership lapse. Make personal contact with all delinquent members. This is not the job of the Financial Secretary but the job of the whole council. Your Retention chairman must be listed on the Form 365 Service Program Personal Report. Proposers need to see themselves as Retention Officers during the entire career of those men they recruit into the Order. Follow the correct billing procedure for dues. If a member becomes delinquent in his dues, follow the retention procedures outlined in the Proper Billing Procedures including use of the Notice of Intent to Suspend (form 1845). A council should try their best not to suspend a member who is also a member of the Military. By following these guidelines we will reach our goal of reducing suspensions and keeping every man in our Order active. Michael D. Johnston Retention Chairman retention@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 8

12 STATE CEREMONIALS PROGRAM Through ceremonials a candidate will form his first impression of the Knights of Columbus. This impression will be a lasting one and may well determine a candidate s eagerness to become an active or passive member of your council. Therefore, all ceremonials must be properly conducted from memory to ensure that the candidate is edified and will want to advance to the higher degrees of our order. GOALS: A FIRST Degree Team in every council. A SECOND Degree Team in every district. ALL TEAMS using the updated ceremonials. ALL PARTS of all degrees totally memorized. FIRST DEGREE: Every council should have its own FIRST DEGREE team. A newly recruited candidate will lose interest if made to wait a long time before being initiated. The Grand Knight must appoint a council ceremonials chairman whose responsibility it is to recruit and train members to serve on the ceremonial team as well as backup personnel. First Degree team members are certified by the District Deputy. SECOND DEGREE: More emphasis needs to be placed on establishing additional SECOND DEGREE teams throughout the state. The District Deputy has the responsibility to recruit and train Second Degree team members plus backups. Councils within the district are urged to cooperate with their District Deputy in meeting this responsibility. There have been occasions in the past where the exemplifications of major degrees have been in jeopardy due to the unavailability of a Second Degree team. We must remedy this situation. Certification of Second Degree team members is done by the State Deputy or the State Ceremonials Chairman. THIRD DEGREE: Dates and sites for exemplification of a major degree are subject to approval of the State Deputy. Districts or councils who wish to host a major degree should select the date and location early and request approval. It is suggested that major degrees be sponsored by all councils within the district with one council serving as host. The cost is then pro-rated equally between all councils thus not placing a financial burden on the council which agreed to host a major degree. This will enable all councils, large or small, the opportunity to serve as host council. CEREMONIAL BOOKS, ROBES, JEWELS, and PARAPHERNALIA: All ceremonial books are serialized and assigned by the Supreme Council. Worn or tattered books can be replaced at no charge provided the old books are returned to the Supreme Council. Lost books can be replaced but a charge of $10.00 per entire book or $5.00 per particular part will be assessed prior to issuance of a replacement copy. The Financial Secretary can request an initial set of First Degree books at no charge for any council never having a set assigned to them. Form #132 in the Reports Form Booklet is used for this purpose. Requests for Second Degree ceremonial books must be made by the District Deputy or the State Deputy respectively. Robes, Jewels and all other degree paraphernalia can be ordered directly through Lynch & Kelly. Any questions regarding ceremonials should be directed to the State Ceremonials Chairman. Thomas W. Rottinghaus State Ceremonials Chairman ceremonials@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 9

13 DISTRICT DEPUTY S RESPONSIBILITIES IN HOSTING EXEMPLIFICATION OF MAJOR DEGREES THE HOST DISTRICT DEPUTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING A SECOND DEGREE TEAM IF THE DISTRICT DOES NOT HAVE A CERTIFIED STAFF. Letters to neighboring district deputies and councils should be sent at least four weeks prior to the date selected for your major degree. This letter must clearly state all charges to councils bringing candidates and for all other activities which may be planned in conjunction with the exemplification. At least two weeks prior to the date of the exemplification, the host district deputy should contact the grand knights of his district and those of neighboring districts to determine the approximate number of candidates each are planning to bring. The week before the ceremonials, another survey of the councils should be taken in order to determine the approximate size of the class. If it appears that there will be less than (10) candidates, cancellation of degree may be considered. Ten days prior to the degree date, you the district deputy must contact the assigned Conferring Officer giving him directions and details for the day. On the day of the degree, a member should be assigned to watch for the Conferring Officer and staff and escort them to a room where they can dress and make preparations for the ceremonial. The district deputy should ask grand knights to encourage attendance by their membership. This could be done through the council bulletin, church bulletin, or by a telephone committee. Candidates are always impressed when a large group of members are present to observe the exemplification. Proposers should contact their candidates well in advance of the exemplification date to confirm their availability on the scheduled date. Then on the day of the degree the proposer must personally pick up and accompany the candidate to the ceremonial. If the proposer is unable to do this, the grand knight or membership director should assign a member to act in his place. Never let a candidate go to a degree by himself. ALLOWABLE DEGREE CHARGES Charges for a Third Degree staff are set by the Kansas State Council. These charges are $ plus $5.00 for each third degree medallion given to the new member. As a courtesy, it is suggested that team members be provided free refreshments and lunch, if one is being served. Host councils may charge $10.00 total per candidate. (Plus $5.00 per medallion if needed). Anything above that must be agreed upon by all councils bringing candidates prior to the degree. Charges for a Second Degree team coming from another district are to be set and determined by the District Deputies involved. The Kansas State Council does not do this since the ideal situation is for every district to have its own Second Degree staff. Some compensation should be considered for a Second Degree staff from another district. If a district has its own Second Degree staff, councils within the district are not to be charged for bringing their candidates to the Second Degree. Councils from outside of the district may be charged a maximum of $2.00 per candidate. If a district has to bring in a Second Degree staff outside of his district then all councils are subject to the $2.00 per candidate charge Program & Membership Guide Page 10

14 INSURANCE AGENCY REPORT The Knights of Columbus Agency Department is pleased to welcome the following men as newly appointed Field Agents: John Dorsey, Joel Crane and Derek Fagan from the Eastern Agency and Darren Mueller, Brandon Copley, Tim Gill, Tim Voegeli and Brian O Neill from the Central Agency. These men have completed the Knights of Columbus ProStart Training Program and are currently serving our members with their financial needs. These new and veteran professional Agents placed approximately $382,000,000 of life insurance protection in Recruiting new members is the lifeblood of any organization. Recruiting new professional Field Agents is also important to our organization. As General Agents, we rely on our District Deputies, Grand Knights, and Council Officers to aid us in identifying good quality, professional men for the Field Agent position. The men we look for are probably already employed, self motivated, self starters, leaders in their community and wanting to make a difference in the lives of our members. They may be a farmer, salesman, banker, teacher or self-employed in another field. Regardless of the current field of employment, they just may be looking for a change of careers. Please put some serious thought into this matter and give your General Agent a call as soon as possible with this man s name. Additionally, we ask that you keep your Field Agent well informed as to when a degree or any council function is scheduled. Our agents serve many councils and members. Advanced notice on events would help immensely to manage their schedules. Pleased involve your professional Field Agent in new member recruiting. These professionals are trained to recruit and present the Fraternal Benefits of the Knights of Columbus. They are always ready and willing to assist local councils in their recruiting efforts. Greg Schafer, LUTCF George Spinelli, FICF, LUTCF, CSA John Mahon, FICF Central General Agent Western General Agent Eastern General Agent Program & Membership Guide Page 11

15 PROGRAM DIRECTOR S REPORT The Knights of Columbus is and always will be a Catholic, Family, Fraternal, and Service Organization. Our Service Programs reflect our involvement and commitment to our Church, Youth, Family, Community, Council, and Culture of Life. This Program and Membership Guide contains suggested programs for the fraternal year. These guidelines should assist District Deputies, Grand Knights and Council Chairmen in planning their programs. Throughout the year, the State Directors and Chairmen will communicate with you and offer assistance with each program. Feel free to call the Director or Chairman if you have any questions. Every council s primary goal should be to attain the Star Council Award. To achieve this award, a council must meet both membership and insurance quotas, and complete the following programming requirements: 1. Submit Form # Service Program Personnel Report by August 1, Submit Form # Annual Survey of Fraternal Activities by January 31, Submit Form # SP-7 - Columbian Award Application by June 30, These forms are in the Council Report Forms Computer CD supplied to the Grand Knight by Supreme, and available through the state website at The back inside cover of this booklet lists suggestions for programs to conduct and include on the Columbian Award Application. Supreme Council Service Awards will be given to the best single council activity in each of the six programming areas. All scrapbook entries must be forwarded to the appropriate Director by April 1, Remember, an activity may be submitted in only one category. When deciding which category to enter a scrapbook, simply ask: Who benefits from this activity? The answer to this question tells you which category to enter the scrapbook. Please refer to the next page for additional information on scrapbooks. I invite you to join together with the State Officers, Directors, Chairmen, and Insurance Team to ensure a successful year. Working together, we can achieve our goal of making Kansas #1 in Programming and Membership. Todd R. Bachamp. State Program Director program@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 12

16 SCRAPBOOKS What is a Project/Program /Activity Scrapbook? It is a showcase to present your council s project or activity for consideration of a State service award. A scrapbook includes ONE specific project or activity for that year from the council. The scrapbook does not cover a group of multiple activities combined. The State winner in each program area is then submitted to the Supreme Council and entered in the International level competition. What Form does it take? You can use whatever format of book, scrapbook, 3 ring binder, duo-tang report cover or other style the council would like to use. What do I include in the scrapbook? Anything and everything, within reason, that will Tell the Story of your council s project or activity. Elements you want to consider including are as follows: The submission form found on the Council Forms CD Funds raised (Required) A brief 1 or 2 paragraph summary Newspaper articles Statement of council project or activity in detail Photographs Number of members and percentage of council Church bulletin write ups membership participating Numbers of hours donated by members Letters of support or thanks Numbers of hours donated by members Costs involved Results of the project or activity Anything else that can support, promote or enhance the story. How do I decide when to start the scrapbook? The best time to plan the scrapbook is at the beginning of the fraternal year when the council maps out its programs and activities for the year. You then will have adequate time to acquire all of the necessary records, photographs, articles, and other material to include in the scrapbook as the project or activity is being organized and implemented. What area do I submit the scrapbook in? Each scrapbook can only be submitted in one program area. By answering the following questions, you can determine the correct program area and which Director to submit it to for consideration. Who benefited from the project or activity? Was it Church, Youth, Family, Community, Culture of Life or Council? Other Do s and Dont s Do Plan Ahead Keep great records Publicize the project or activity Keep copies of the papers or bulletins Solicit support from the Pastor, Chaplain and Community leaders for the project or activity Take quality photographs Organize and present the material in a smooth flowing story format Don t Wait until the last minute Just throw it together Treat it like it s not important MISS the filing deadline!! Over do it with volume that is not pertinent Reminder Don t forget to fill out the required submission form found on the Council Reports CD and include it with the scrapbook. Send the scrapbook to the appropriate State Church, Youth, Family, Community, Culture of Life or Council Director BEFORE the deadline!! Program & Membership Guide Page 13

17 CHURCH ACTIVITIES PROGRAM SUPPORT OF OUR PRIESTS: As Knights of Columbus members we are in complete solidarity with our Bishops and Priests. We can show our support by volunteering our time and talents to our Bishops and Priests. Every member should help assist their Parish Priest, whether at mass or around the parish. We can offer our talents by being ushers, lectors, extra ordinary ministers of the Eucharist, or being a choir member. We can also help with maintenance for the rectory, cemetery, and school. RELIGIOUS DEVOTIONS & MASSES: Prayer is the strongest weapon we have. The Rosary is a very powerful prayer that we should pray every day. Each council is encouraged to sponsor Rosary prayer services on the fifth Sunday of the following months: August 30, 2015, November 29, 2015, January 31, 2016, and May 29, Councils can request a 5 th Sunday Rosary Program kit from Supreme which will contain a supply of Rosary rings and instructions on how to use a Rosary ring. If your parish doesn t pray the Rosary before Mass, contact your Parish Priest and offer to pray the Rosary before or after each Mass. Rosary prayer cards are available from the Supreme Council Office. As a part of our Knights of Columbus activities, all councils are asked to schedule a corporate communion on every 5 th Sunday of each month during the year. During the month of November each council is reminded to have a memorial Mass for the deceased members of their council. Always remember to invite the family members of the deceased, and assign members to offer to escort the widows to the Mass. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: We as Knights of Columbus should volunteer as religious education teachers, as the spiritual training of our children is especially important today. We can also help with the training of these children as altar servers for Mass. Be sure your Council supports the Religious Education Fund Raffle. The money raised from this program helps buy books and supplies for our Religious Education Programs throughout the State. Become involved with adult formation in your parish, and if your parish does not have adult formation see what your council can do to get one started. Volunteer to be a sponsor to a RCIA candidate. TOOLS FOR EDUCATION: A man s responsibility is the religious education of himself and his family. The Knights of Columbus have several tools that can help a Knight achieve this responsibility of education. The Luke Hart series is a Catholic Education Series of books based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The veritas series of books cover a wide variety of topics on matters pertaining to Catholic faith and life. Both of these series are available through the Catholic Information Service at Supreme. KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS: Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. We are asked to share the light of Advent by promoting the use of Advent wreaths by all families in the parish. Posters, billboards, and other materials are available from the Supreme Council; there are also public service announcements available for use at radio stations. We are asked to join in Light Up For Christ on December 1, 2015 at 8:00 PM by turning on lights and Christmas lights at this time. AWARDS: Every council in the State should enter a Scrapbook for Church Activities. When your council conducts an activity, you should maintain a scrapbook containing pictures, news clippings, and other information about your activity. Appoint one person at the event to take pictures, then write up the information on the event and submit it directly to the State Church Activities Director, no later than April 1, The 1 st place winner in the State goes on to the Supreme Convention to be judged internationally. Bruce A. Luehring Church Activities Director church@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 14

18 VOCATION PROMOTION PROGRAM ADOPT A SEMINARIAN PROGRAM: The most important goal for all councils, assemblies, and circles is to adopt a seminarian. Some councils may be asked to adopt more than one seminarian or a seminarian from another diocese, to assure that each will receive an equal amount of financial support. All the seminarians are very appreciative of the financial support they get each year, but most important are the PRAYERS, words of encouragement and support through cards, letters, and personal visits to these men on their journey to the Priesthood. Let your members know your seminarian s name and address, so they can contact them personally. Be sure to pray for your seminarian at your council meeting and use the Prayer for Vocations to increase vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. REFUND SUPPORT VOCATIONS PROGRAM (RSVP): The Supreme Council encourages councils and assemblies to support seminarians by refunding them $ for every $ donated to a seminarian, postulant, or novice. This means that the total $ must go to one seminarian, postulant, or novice. The $ cannot be split up between two or more to qualify for the $ refund. The request form #2863 is a supreme form and can be found on the CD provided to the Financial Secretary. There is a link on the Kansas State Council Web Site to the Supreme site. This form must be submitted before June 30, All the official rules are found on the back of the #2863 request form. If your council does not donate the $ to one seminarian, you still need to fill out this form. If you adopted a seminarian, postulant, or novice you are still eligible for a Plaque, or the current year plate, to be put on the plaque you already have. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: This year the 4th Sunday of Easter (April 17, 2016) has been designated as world day of prayer for vocations. We encourage each council to hold either a mass or say a rosary for vocations on April 17. Also you may want to invite your seminarian or postulate to talk to the council or the religious education program in your parish about their calling. VOCATION POSTER CONTEST: This year marks the 44th year for the State Vocation Poster Contest and the theme for the Vocation Poster Contest this year is: Called Before You Were Born Vocation posters should be drawn free hand on an 11 inch wide by 14 inches tall paper. The poster is to be drawn vertically. The winning poster from all that are submitted will be printed on the back of the Program and Membership Guide. There will be winners from five different grade levels in each diocese. The grades are 1 st &2 nd, 3 rd &4 th, 5 th &6 th, 7 th &8 th, and Special Education. On the back of each poster you need to have the student s name, address, grade, council number, district number, and diocese. Any poster not having these items listed will be disqualified. We ask that each Grand Knight make sure this information is clearly printed on the back of each poster, so that the child will not be disappointed by a disqualification. The local councils can conduct this contest at any time before March 10. Council winners must be sent to your District Deputy no later than March 15. District Deputies must send their winners to the State Vocation Chairman no later than March 25, Bruce A. Luehring Church Activities Director church@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 15

19 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FUND PROGRAM The purpose of the Religious Education Fund Program is to provide parishes and Catholic high schools with financial grants for their religious education programs. Parish grants may be used in Catholic grade school religion programs, Catholic high school religion programs, high school and grade school Parish Schools of Religion, Adult Religious Education programs, and RCIA programs. A parish will receive only one check. Catholic high schools will receive individual checks. All money received from this fund MUST be used for the improvement of a religious education in one of the following: a Catholic grade school, Catholic high school, grade school Religious Education Program, high school Religious Education Program, Adult Program, or RCIA. The decision for improvement comes from the pastor or high school chaplain. The steps for participation in the Religious Education Fund Program are as follows: 1. After receiving the request form from your District Deputy, if necessary, make enough copies for each parish and Catholic high school your council represents. 2. Complete the request form as much as possible and sign it. 3. Give a request form to each parish pastor or Catholic high school chaplain that is part of your council. The completed form must include the signature of the pastor or high school chaplain. 4. Request forms should then be returned to Father Ted Stoecklein, State Chaplain, by Tuesday, September 29, Give a stamped envelope with the State Chaplain s address (see below) along with the request form to facilitate the mailing of the request. The State Chaplain and State Officers will review the Religious Education Fund requests and award grants during the first part of October. The approved requests will be forwarded to Jamey Roth, State Treasurer. The amount of money to be dispersed will be determined during the mid-winter meeting December 5-6, 2015, in Wichita. Distributions will not exceed $ per request form. The Grand Knight should receive a check by the end of December. The State Council asks, if possible, the Grand Knight make a formal presentation to the pastor or high school chaplain within a week of receiving the check. It is suggested that a picture of the presentation be taken for council, parish, and school publicity purposes. In Christ s Love and Peace, Rev. Ted D. Stoecklein State Chaplain statechaplain@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 16

20 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FUND PROGRAM Fund Raising: The State Council will solicit 1,700 donations of $ each, raising a total of $170,000. Prizes: Twenty-eight prizes totaling $68,000 will be awarded. Grand Prize: $25,000; 1 st Place Prize: $6,000; two 2 nd Place Prizes of $4,000 each; five 3 rd Place Prizes of $2000, and nineteen 4 th Place prizes of $1,000 each. Ticket Distribution: District Deputies will receive tickets in July for immediate distribution to their councils. The number of tickets per council will be as follows: Divisions 1 and 2: 3 tickets; Divisions 3, 4, and 5: 5 tickets; Division 6: 7 tickets; Divisions 7 and 8: 8 tickets; Divisions 9 and 10: 9 tickets. Fourth Degree assemblies will receive 2 tickets and College Councils will receive 1 ticket. Participation and Deadlines: Ticket donations may be solicited from any interested party and are not limited to K of C members. The donor will retain the ticket stub. The council will return the completed portion of the ticket with the donated funds to the District Deputy by October 25, District Deputies are to have the tickets and all funds to the Chairman, Tom Halbleib, no later than November 1, DO NOT MAIL AFTER NOVEMBER 1. After November 1, contact to make arrangements to get the tickets. Grand Knights please deposit funds into council checking account and write only one check. DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL. SEND CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY. Drawing: Prizes will be drawn at the Mid-Year Meeting of the District Deputies in December. Grand Knights and successful ticket holders will be notified immediately after the drawing. Funds will be distributed after the Mid- Year meeting. Support for Religious Education: All net funds will be used for Religious Education programs in schools and parishes. Requests for funds are to be submitted to the State Chaplain Rev. Ted Stoecklein before September 29, Request forms for religious education funds are included in your ticket envelope. Councils should make enough copies for each parish and Catholic high school your council represents. Please remember, only one request per parish and high school. The request form must be signed by the pastor or high school Chaplain. The State Chaplain and State Officers will evaluate requests for funds. Tom Halbleib Religious Education Chairman religioused@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 17

21 FATHER MCGIVNEY GUILD REPORT The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild distributes informational materials about him, receives reports of favors granted through his intercession and oversees the distribution of relics. The Father McGivney Guild website is The Knights of Columbus founded the Guild in 1997 concurrently with the archdiocesan phase of the Father McGivney s cause for canonization. Membership in the Guild, which is free, is open to all individuals and households, but not groups. Members of the Knights of Columbus are not automatically Guild members and must elect to join the Guild. The Father Michael J. McGivney Newsletter is published bimonthly except July-August, and is sent free to the Guild members. The chronology of the events since the turn of the century are as follows: 2000 Archbishop Cronin closed the diocesan investigation. Acts describing the investigation went to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints which opened the Vatican investigation. The Diocesan investigation began reviewing a reported miracle attributed to Father McGivney s Intercession On March 15, 2008, Pope Benedict XCI approved the Decree of Heroic Virtue of Father McGivney. The Pope s declaration significantly advances the process toward sainthood. The declaration confers upon Father McGivney the title of VENERABLE SERVANT OF GOD. One miracle with the approval of the Pope is required for the beautification, at which time Father McGivney would be declared BLESSED; another miracle with the approval of the Pope is required for canonization, at which time Father McGivney would be declared a Saint At the 131 st Supreme Convention in San Antonio, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson reported that a possible miracle attributed to the intercession of Venerable Servant of God, Father Michael McGivney is under investigation in Rome. All of the documentation were delivered in March of 2013 to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. All members, spouses, and families are invited to join the Father McGivney Guild in support and to further the cause of the sainthood for our founder Father Michael J. McGivney. Membership forms can be obtained from the Father McGivney website Each member must individually apply for membership to the Guild. During one s lifetime, is there a more fulfilling opportunity than to be a part of the sainthood process, especially of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney? Take the time to send a membership form and become a part of the sainthood process. John L. Kasper Past State Deputy psdkasper@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 18

22 YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAM SUPREME COUNCIL PROGRAM FOR FINANCIAL AID TO EDUCATION The Knights of Columbus provides financial aid to students through scholarships, fellowships and loan programs. More information may be obtained by writing to Financial Aid to Education, Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 1670, New Haven, CT, or call (203) You can also find more information on the Supreme Council website. SOCCER CHALLENGE This contest is open to both boys and girls ages 9 to 14 years old. The Grand Knight should order their contest materials using the order form in the Council Surge with Service CD or on the Supreme Council website, form # SC-KIT. This kit contains the rules, regulations, entry forms/score sheets and posters to run a successful contest. Grand Knights must order these kits by August 15, Council contests should be held anytime in September or early October and report the results to both the Supreme and State Council by October 30. SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST Entries in the Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest must fall under one of these topics: Alcohol Awareness and Abuse or Drug Awareness and Abuse. The contest is open to all youth and will be judged in two groups; 8 to 11 years old and 12 to 14 years old. Forms are found in the Council Surge with Service CD or on the Supreme Council website, form # SA-KIT and need to be ordered by September 1, Council winners need to be sent to District Deputies by February 15, District winners should be sent to me by March 1, Certificates will be awarded to the State winners and will be forwarded to the Supreme Council for International Judging. FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP The Grand Knight or Free Throw Chairman need to order these contest materials using the form found on the Supreme Council Website, Form # FT-KIT and must be ordered by November 1, This kit contains the rules, regulations, entry form/score sheets and posters necessary to run a successful contest. Adhere to all rules exactly as outlined. Important Dates: Council Contests: January 2016 District Contests: First and Second week in February 2016 Regional Contests: Third week in February Site information will be sent later. State Contest: Sunday, March 6, 2016 in Salina, Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School Our goal is 100% council participation and 7,000 participants, with all councils reporting by the due date to both the State Free Throw Chairman and the Supreme Council. ALL Grand Knights and District Deputies are needed to accomplish this goal. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ESSAY CONTEST The Contest is open to all Catholic students from 8 th grade to high school seniors in any school or parish-sponsored religious education programs. Additional information about this program and the order form for the kit is found in the Council Surge with Service CD or on the Supreme Council website, form # EA-KIT and must be ordered by September 1, All essay contest winner s names and copies of their essays are to be forwarded to me by April 1, 2016 for reporting council participation. First place winners on the Supreme level will receive a check for $ and two runners up for each grade level will receive $ COATS FOR KIDS All Knights of Columbus Councils are invited to participate in Coats for Kids this winter. Simply complete and submit the Coats for Kids order form, and you will receive your coats in about two to three weeks. The minimum order is one case of 12 coats, and the cost is $ per case ($18.33 per coat). Shipping charges are included in the price. Each case of high-quality coats will contain either boy s or girl s coats, both of which come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. The order form is available on the Supreme website at or there is a link from the State website to the Supreme forms Program & Membership Guide Page 19

23 OUTSTANDING YOUTH ACTIVITY AWARD State Service Awards will be presented at the State Convention for the outstanding Youth Activity for the year. Submit your council s scrapbook to me by April 1, If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Stephen E. Abels Youth Director youth@kansas-kofc.org COLUMBIAN SQUIRES PROGRAM The Columbian Squires is the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. It is an international fraternity of Catholic young men between the ages of 10 and 18, with a total membership of more than 25,000 in nearly 1,700 circles. The goal is to have at least one Circle in every District. The Squires program is a leadership development program whose purpose is to develop young men as leaders who understand their Catholic religion, have a strong commitment to the Church, and are willing to model their lives after Christ. Squire circles are sponsored by a council or assembly, but run by the young men under the guidance of Knights, who serve as counselors. Squires are leaders, to the degree that they are able, by running their own meetings, investing their own members, setting their circle s agenda, and implementing their own programs activities. Squires have the opportunity to meet new friends by traveling, playing sports, and socializing with other squires. They are serious young men involved in the defense of the unborn, support of vocations and Special Olympics, feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, promotion of Catholic education, and many other activities. Councils, who sponsor a Columbian Squire Circle in good standing, fulfill all youth activity requirements for the Columbian Award. Any council or assembly interested in sponsoring a new circle or reinstituting an inactive circle may order a Columbian Squires Inquiry Kit. A kit may be obtained in three ways. The first way is to write the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT The second way is to call the department at The final way is to go on the K of C web site at After you are in the web site, click on either council or assembly under forms, and then scroll down to the form Columbian Squires Inquiry Kit. You may complete the form online or print it and mail it to the department address above. Circles that have been dissolved can reinstitute the old circle using that circle s charter name and number. Circles that have been dormant for a period of time but still remain on active status only need to be reorganized. The Squire of the Year, Circle of the Year and Counselor of the Year applications are due to me March 1, The Squires State Convention is in Derby on April, 2 and 3, For additional information on establishing, reinstituting, or reorganizing a Squire Circle, please contact me at squires@kansas-kofc.org. Remember that the Squires of Today are the Knights of Tomorrow! Michael Barnard States Squires Chairman squires@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 20

24 FAMILY ACTIVITIES PROGRAM The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization, and the family is the core of the orders beliefs and ideals. We, as knights, must invite all families to become involved in their parish and community, as well as encourage families to find quality time to talk and be active together. All councils should encourage their members and families to choose the Holy Family as their model for sharing and respect for one another. Efforts to ensure families remain strong and viable is something we as knights must pass on to future generations. Family of the Month The Family of the Month recognition program is designed to honor a family monthly for their service to church, community, and council. All councils need to select one of their deserving families, document their efforts on the (form 1993A), which can be found on the Knights CD, and present the family with a certificate of recognition (form 1843) at the mass they normally attend. To allow the family to be recognized by the Supreme Council, submit this form to the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Service before the 15th of the following month online at www@kofc.org. The council should also submit a copy of the Family of the Month form to the State Family Life Director. The Supreme Council will randomly select 100 families on the 15th of each month from the forms submitted to receive a Holy Family Plaque, along with a congratulatory letter from our Supreme Knight. Family of the Year All councils should select a Family of the Year from their monthly winners, complete the form in the Family of the Month booklet, and submit it to their district deputy no later than March 10. He will select a district winner from the entries received from the councils in his district and submit the entry to the diocesan judge no later than March 20. Winners will be recognized at the state convention in May. The State Family of the Year application will be forwarded to the Supreme Council for the International Family of the Year competition. Family Activities of the Year All councils are encouraged to prepare a scrapbook containing photos and a detailed description of a favorite family activity. The scrapbook should be submitted to the Family Life Director by April 1. Three scrapbooks will be chosen from the entries to be recognized at the state convention. The one judged best will be forwarded to Supreme for consideration in national awards. Knights of Columbus Family Week The Knights of Columbus Family Week is August 10-16, All councils are encouraged to plan parish picnics and masses to celebrate and honor the family. The Supreme Council encourages councils celebrate corporate communions the weekends of August 30, November 29, January 31, and May 29. Edwin Schmeidler, Jr. Family Life Director family@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 21

25 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PROGRAM Community Activity Programs are designed to support and give hope to our fellow man and community. The most important part of Community Activities is becoming a volunteer. Your council will create a greater image in your community and will create a good recruiting tool for new members. You need a successful Community Activities Program to keep your council active. Any community activity must have good participation from your members and that means volunteering. Your work and action could encourage other eligible Catholic men to join our Order. The Chairmen for the Program year are: Commitment to Humanities Program Chairman Special Olympics Chairman Pennies from Heaven Chairman Paul J. Haverkamp Richard A. Broz, Jr. A Community Activity Scrapbook Award will be given to the council who has the best Community Activity Project. Start saving your pictures, articles and notes and send me your project in scrapbook form NO LATER THAN APRIL 1, The State winner will be entered in the Supreme Service Awards Program. If you have any questions concerning any of the Community Activity Programs, feel free to contact any of the Chairmen for advice. SPECIAL OLYMPICS Last year nearly 1,300 athletes participated in the Special Olympics Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Hays. Through your efforts we can insure the tournament s continued growth. This year s tournament will be held MARCH 17, 18, and 19 in Hays. All Councils (regardless of participation) must complete and return the Partnership Profile Report with Special Olympics, Form This form can be found online at and is due by January 31, Let us join together in our efforts to make their lives more enjoyable. Anyone willing to volunteer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. FOOD FOR FAMILIES The Supreme Council will refund $ for every $500.00, or for every 1000 pounds of food, that a council contributes to a parish food pantry, community food bank, or soup kitchen, up to a maximum refund of $ per council per fraternal year. Indicated contributions of food and/or money should be cumulative for the fraternal year. The report form is available on the Supreme website at or there is a link from the State website to the Supreme forms. The Supreme Council recognizes that participating in this program can be time consuming for the local council. Participating in this program will fulfill all four of the Family Activity requirements for the Columbian Award. In order to qualify as fulfilling all four requirements, the council must collect and donate a minimum of 1,000 pounds of food and council members must contribute a minimum of 100 man-hours in the program. Paul J. Haverkamp Community Activities Director community@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 22

26 COMMITMENT TO HUMANITIES PROGRAM TOOTSIE ROLL & SPECIAL OLYMPICS Goal $375,000 Date: Oct. 9, 10, and 11 ORDERING: Orders for Tootsie Rolls must be sent in before August 31, COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM AT YOUR REGIONAL MEETING. There is no shipping charge on orders of 33 cases or more. Combine orders with other councils or other districts if needed. Tootsie rolls are $19.50 per case. There are 300 tootsie rolls per case. Orders must be shipped to a business address. Send the WHITE copy to the Tootsie Roll Knights of Columbus Program as indicated on the bottom of the form; the YELLOW copy to the COMMITMENT TO HUMANITIES CHAIRMAN, Paul Haverkamp ( th St., Mclouth, KS 66054); keep the pink copy for Council Files. REPORTS: After your drive is completed, complete the report form. Send the WHITE copy with a CHECK TO STATE TREASURER, JAMEY C. ROTH (1202 HICKORY, VICTORIA, KS 67671); YELLOW copy TO THE COMMITMENT TO HUMANITIES CHAIRMAN, Paul Haverkamp ( th St., Mclouth, KS 66054); and PINK copy for your council files. If you have any questions about this report, give me a call ( ). The funds you collect are for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Reports should be filed within 30 days of the completion of your drive, with a reporting deadline of December 15, DIVISION OF PROCEEDS: Of your council s net proceeds, 80% will be returned to your council for presentation to institutions of your choice. The remaining 20% will go to the State Council to sponsor the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays, with the balance spent for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Make sure your council designates their 80% to a legitimate institution for People with Intellectual Disabilities. PUBLICITY: A public service announcement will be sent to all radio stations in Kansas. Councils should contact their local radio stations one month before the drive to make sure the PSA will be aired. We are pleased to announce that Coach Gregg Marshall of the Wichita State Men s Basketball team will again be our spokesperson for the Tootsie Roll Campaign. Governor Sam Brownback has also signed a proclamation declaring Oct 9-11 as Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Days. AWARDS: A plaque will be awarded to the Council with the highest dollar per member in each division. A plaque will be awarded to the District Deputy with the highest dollar per member with all councils reporting. Certificates will be awarded to any council that donates $8.00 per member or a 10% increase over last year. High Roller certificates are available to councils to give to businesses that support their drive. REPORTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 15, 2015 FOR A COUNCIL TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS. PLANNING AND HARD WORK: 1. Plan your Commitment to Humanities Drive in advance. Appoint a chairman and committee to facilitate the drive. 2. Enlist fellow members and family members to be at churches, shopping malls, food stores, sports events, businesses and if possible, go door to door. Ask your members to sponsor a case. 3. Sell case lots to businesses, especially banks, restaurants, and other known places that give away products to show customer appreciation. 4. If you have clowns in your council, use their talents to help you. 5. Order enough aprons so workers will be easily identified. 6. Be a salesman; you are representing the Knights of Columbus in Kansas so be cheerful, courteous and friendly. 7. Submit your reports early. Paul J Haverkamp Commitment to Humanities Chairman Special Olympics Chairman community@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 23

27 PENNIES FROM HEAVEN PROGRAM GOAL: $80,000 The money raised through the Pennies from Heaven program provides the revenue for the Emergency Disaster Aid Program (EDAP) by replenishing the funds used to assist those who have suffered material losses due to natural disasters such as fire, floods, and tornadoes. These funds are available to ANY family. Now is the time to start this fund raising effort. A suggested goal for each council is, A penny per day per member. If your council makes a donation directly to the Supreme Council, a copy of the front and back of the cancelled check must be mailed to me for the council to receive credit for the donation with the State Council. Printed on the inside back cover of the official state directory are the procedures for obtaining up to $ from the EDAP. All requests must be approved by the Charities Aid President, Past State Deputy Francis Drouhard, before monies are disbursed. Please read the rules for obtaining funds as they have changed from previous years. State Convention Arts, Crafts, Baked Goods: Councils are encouraged to bring NEW or HAND MADE items to sell in the Country Store. All monies collected from these items will be credited to your council. Supreme Promotional Items and Gifts will be available for purchase in the Country Store. Council Donations: Monetary donations from councils may be turned in at the Country Store during the State Convention any time before noon on Saturday. Recognition of the council with the highest dollar amount per member in each division will be determined after all donations have been collected on Saturday. Auction: Items will be chosen for auction at the State Convention. If your council has an item they would like considered for the auction, please let me know ASAP. Auction items will be included in the total dollars from a council. Awards: A plaque for the council with the highest dollar per member in each division. A plaque for the District Deputy with the highest dollar per member in his district. A certificate for all councils who participate in the Pennies from Heaven Program. Plaques will be presented at the District Deputy meeting in July. Certificates will be presented at the State Convention. Richard A. Broz Jr. Pennies from Heaven Chairman pennies@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 24

28 CULTURE OF LIFE The Culture of Life program protects human life from conception to death from natural causes. Every life is sacred, from the moment of conception until natural death. As Knights of Columbus, we are called to defend the dignity of each human being at every stage and work together in building a culture of life and civilization of love. Awards: Will be presented to the council in each division reporting the highest dollar amount per member as of April 1, 2016 and to the District Deputy who has the highest dollar per member with all councils reporting. Certificates will be awarded to each council exceeding $6.00 per member. Goals: Raise $400,000 in donations for Culture of Life organizations with a minimum of $6.00 per member. 100% participation and Culture of Life reports submitted from every council in the state. Ways to accomplish these goals: 1. Prayer a. Pray the Rosary before or after Mass at least once a month. b. Pray at council meetings for a culture of life, from the moment of conception until natural death. c. Observe March 25 as the day of prayer for the unborn child. 2. To Educate a. Host Culture of Life speakers from area pro-life, senior, disabilities and adoption agencies in your community, parish, & council. b. Show Kansas State Council Knights of Columbus stem cell video. c. Erect memorials and Culture of Life road signs. d. Promote phone numbers for local Crisis Pregnancy Centers. 3. Fund Raisers and Donations a. Host a Culture of Life Baby Shower in January. b. Take up a collection at masses on Mothers Day. c. Ultra Sound Initiative. (Send donations to State Treasurer.) d. Bottles For Life; pass out baby bottles and have them filled with cash. e. Help out at local pregnancy and assisted care facilities. f. Participate and sponsor Lifesaver Sunday 4. Community/Parish/Council Activities a. Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose Run Program throughout the state between August 30th and September 20th. b. Plan activities to observe Respect Life Sunday, October c. Participate in local Culture of Life marches. d. Candle Light Vigils at the county courthouses during October. e. Visit and participate in activities with assisted living care facilities. f. March for Life at the Capitol in Topeka or Washington D.C. in January. All Culture of Life Reports, Culture of Life Scrapbooks and filing for The Evangelium Vitae Awards are due APRIL 1, Please mail ALL to the address below. If your council has a memorial or roadside sign please forward a picture and the location so it can be included in the Kansas State Council Culture of Life scrapbook. If you have suggested events or activities to add to the Culture of Life program please share them with the chaircouple. Tom and Gail Schmeidler Culture of Life Chair-couple cultureoflife@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 25

29 EVANGELIUM VITAE AWARD THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO RECOGNIZE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCILS MOST EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING THE GOSPEL OF LIFE. To be eligible for this award a council must be involved in the "Pastoral Plan for Culture of Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life. This four-part plan proposed by the U.S. Catholic Bishops reaffirms the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. 1. Public Information and Education. Required - An educational presentation of at least 45 minutes at a council or parish function on abortion, infanticide, death penalty or euthanasia. Additional Suggested Activities: A. Erect a Culture of Life billboard B. Conduct a Culture of Life essay contest for the youth. C. Purchase and display a set of fetal models. D. Promote natural family planning. 2. Pastoral Care for those who have been affected by our culture of death. Required - To sponsor at least one major fundraiser for culture of life. Additional Suggested Activities: A. Erect a memorial to the unborn. B. Promote Project Rachel. C. Visit nursing homes or elderly shut-ins. D. Assist mothers who have made a life-affirming decision including adoption. 3. Public Policy efforts for favorable culture of life legislation. Required - Support the Kansas Catholic Conference's Culture of Life legislative agenda. Council sponsored postcard/letter writing campaign or petition drive. Additional Suggested Activities: A. Participation in March for Life rallies, pro-life chains, etc. B. Conduct a voter forum, voter registration. C. Support efforts to end the death penalty and better understand the Church's teaching. D. Conduct a survey of your elected officials. 4. Prayer and Worship - that the culture of death that surrounds us today will be replaced by a culture of life and love. Required - A council sponsored rosary before or after Mass at least one weekend each month for the intention of ending the unnatural taking of life. Additional Suggested Activities: A. Sponsor a Culture of Life Living Rosary. B. Sponsor Culture of Life Stations of the Cross. C. A monthly Mass to build a culture of life and conversion of those in the abortion industry. D. Distribute Holy Cards to students to promote prayer and understanding of culture of life. Councils must submit a report of at least one required activity in each of the four areas. Additional activities are encouraged and an informational photo album is recommended to accompany the application. Send to State Culture of Life Chaircouple by April 1, Awards: Diocesan award winners receive a plaque. Overall state award winner will have their council s name placed on the traveling trophy. Tom and Gail Schmeidler Culture of Life Chair-couple cultureoflife@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 26

30 COUNCIL ACTIVITIES PROGRAM Council activities are vital for strong councils and the Knights of Columbus. Council activities promote Columbianism and give members a chance to experience all aspects of being a Knight. This is what our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, envisioned for the members of the Knights of Columbus. The State Council has a team of dedicated and capable Directors and Chairmen to assist you in planning and executing a successful Council Activities Program. The basic programs are outlined in this program guide and additional information and details will be shared throughout the year in the Explorer from the State Officers, Director and Chairmen. Publicity and Fraternal Gary Wondra (620) Knight's Lite Editor Todd Bachamp (913) State Council Historian Jim Pritchard (913) Health Services & Athletic Events Mike Grothoff (913) State Service Awards will be presented at the State Convention for the outstanding Council Activity for the year. These activities will be judged from scrapbooks prepared and submitted on a council activity. As each council plans their activities they are encouraged to gather information, newspaper clippings, photographs and other materials to complete a scrapbook. Submit your council's scrapbook to Mike Grothoff, Council Activities Director by April 1, Health Services Program Health Services is the most important program for the well being of our membership and the community. The State Council encourages all councils to participate in the Health Services Program. The Blood Donor Program, Blood Pressure Clinic, CPR Training, Organ Donor Program, etc. are some examples of Hea1th Services Programs activities. Consider working with your parish to support Health Services Programs for the entire parish and community. State Golf Tournament The State Golf Committee extends an invitation to all Knights and their wives to join in the fraternity, fellowship and fun at our annual State K of C Golf Tournament. A current Traveling/Membership Card is required for entry. Wives of members in good standing are eligible and encouraged to participate. The 16 th Annual State Golf Tournament will be hosted by Council 727 Emporia and will be held at the Emporia Municipal Golf Course on July 25 and 26, The entry form and additional information is available on the Kansas State Knights of Columbus web site. Print and complete the entry form and mail with your check to: Gene Ohlman, (committee chairman) at 2125 W. 22 nd Ave Emporia, KS Council 601 Salina will host the 17 th Annual State Golf Tournament on July 30 and 31, 2016 at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. Any Council interested in hosting the 2017 Kansas State Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament MUST MAKE their request in writing to Mike Grothoff, Council Activities Director before June 26, State Bowling Tournament The State Bowling Committee extends an invitation to all Knights to join in the fraternity, fellowship, and fun at our Annual Men's Bowling Tournament. A current Traveling/Membership Card is required for entry to the tournament. Knights do not have to be a league bowler to participate. The 72nd Annual State Bowling Tournament, hosted by the Councils of District 18, will be held at the Royal Crest Lanes, 933 Iowa St., Lawrence KS on February 20 & 21, February 27 & 28 and March 5 & 6, Send all entry forms and fees to Knights of Columbus, C/O Dave Janner, 6616 West 69th Street, Overland Park, Kansas You can reach Dave at djanner27@gmail.com or call him at (913) Entry forms wi1l be mailed to all current Grand Knights and Team Captains from last year's tournament. Requirements to host the 2017 Bowling Tournament are: a site with a minimum of 24 lanes and sufficient lodging for the participants and their families. Bowlers at this year's event will choose the location for next year's tournament site by popular vote at the tournament. Any Council interested in hosting the 2017 Tournament MUST MAKE their request in writing, to Mike Grothoff, Council Activities Director before January 22, Program & Membership Guide Page 27

31 State Sporting Clays Shoot The State Sporting Clay Committee extends an invitation to all Knights to join in the fraternity, fellowship, and fun at our Annual Sporting Clay Shoot. A current Traveling/Membership Card, indicating up to date membership is required for entry to the tournament. At this time no council has submitted a bid to host the 2016 event. The deadline to submit a bid to host the 2016 event is December 1, Any council interested in submitting a bid must do so in writing and send to Mike Grothoff, Council Activities Director. Michael J. Grothoff Council Activity Director council@kansas-kofc.org (H) (M) Program & Membership Guide Page 28

32 FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES PROGRAM The goal of fraternal activities is to maintain a strong, friendly and fraternal atmosphere throughout your council with your members and their families. In order to accomplish this, we need to offer programs that create interest, maintain enthusiasm and build pride in membership. Begin by welcoming new members to the council and invite them to participate in your council activities. Discuss their interests and get them active in at least one council activity as soon as possible. Here are some programs in which the council may participate, but don t limit the activities to only those shown below. Be creative and do what works best for your council. FRATERNAL RECOGNITION: Recognition is very important to everyone, especially to those whose work is exemplary. Use of the council and parish newsletters, certificates of merit, corporate communions, family nights, awards banquets and recognition nights help build awareness and pride among members. Let your brother Knights know they are appreciated. KNIGHT OF THE MONTH: Every council should select a Knight of the Month. Brother Knights should be chosen for exemplary service to the church, community, council, family, culture of life and youth. The Grand Knight or a selection committee may choose the honored Knight each month and should present a Knight of the Month Certificate, form #1476, to the recipient at a council function. A State Knight of the Month will be selected on the 16 th day following the month from those submitted to the Fraternal Chairman. Only one name per council per month will be accepted. The applications can be found on the Knights of Columbus State website. A certificate and crucifix will be sent to the District Deputy for presentation to the State Knight of the Month. KNIGHT OF THE YEAR: Every council should select a Knight of the Year. 1) The Grand Knight or head of the committee with help from your Knight of the Year should complete the entry form and submit it to your District Deputy no later than March 10, ) The District Deputy will judge the Council winners, select the District winner and forward to the Diocesan Judge no later than March 20, ) The Diocesan Judge will judge the District winners and select the Diocesan winner no later than April 1, In order for your council Knight of the Year to be considered for the State Knight of the Year these three items must be completed. Diocesan winners and the State Knight of the Year will be recognized at the State Convention. STATE ING PROGRAM: Notices are sent in the event of sickness or death of a past or present state officer, director, chairman, general agent, field agent, team captain, district deputy, grand knight or a member of their immediate family. State personnel, including district deputies, must notify the state webmaster if their address changes. Grand Knights and other members are encouraged to sign up to receive these notices by using the link on the state website. MEMORIAL MASS: During the month of November each council should hold a Memorial Mass honoring their deceased Brother Knights. Consult with your parish priest before planning this event. If it is approved, invite the widows and/or families of the deceased Knights. This is an excellent way to recognize the widows and family members of your council s deceased brothers. Gary L Wondra Fraternal/Publicity Chairman fraternal@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 29

33 PUBLICITY PROGRAM As Knights, we should take pride in who we are, what we stand for and what we do. We are members of the largest Catholic family fraternal service organization in the world. As an Order, we gave just over $173 million and over 71.5 million volunteer hours to charity last year alone. But we must get the word out! People in our own parishes and communities don t know who we are or what we do. Publicize information before an event to increase participation. Publicize information after an event to tell what happened, raise awareness of events and generate interest in future events. Each council is encouraged to appoint a Public Relations Chairman. This member is responsible for publicizing activities and good news. Here is a list of ways we can publicize what we are doing. If your council has other unique ways to spread the news, let me know. Columbia Magazine Send to: Columbia, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT or columbia@kofc.org. Diocesan Newspaper Local Newspaper Radio Stations Facebook Council Newsletter Kansas K of C Website Parish Bulletin Twitter Please send me a copy of all articles published. Keep your articles concise and to the point, making sure the article answers these six questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How. It would be good to also send a copy of published articles to the State Historian when your council s history is updated each year. Be proud of your council activities and let others know the great works of the Knights of Columbus. Gary L Wondra Fraternal/Publicity Chairman fraternal@kansas-kofc.org STATE WEBSITE The Kansas State Council maintains a website with many resources for all members in Kansas. The goal of the website is to provide current information and to facilitate communication between the State Council and all council officers, members and guests. Information on the website includes a calendar of events (major degrees, exemplification dates and form due dates), state programming forms, information on the Knights in Kansas, and much more. There is also an area in order to sign up to receive notices from the Kansas State Council. If you have not visited the website recently, please visit it soon at We encourage you to take the time to explore and discover all of the information that is available there. If you have any suggestions, comments, or corrections that should be made, please contact me immediately. Douglas E. Wietharn Webmaster webmaster@kansas-kofc.org Program & Membership Guide Page 30

34 KNIGHT S-LITE PROGRAM With the cooperation of the Catholic newspapers in Kansas and with your assistance, more than 100,000 families in Kansas will be informed of the programs and activities of the Knights of Columbus through the publication of the Knight s-lite, the state Knights of Columbus newspaper. The Knight s-lite will be printed three times during the fraternal year in the Diocesan newspapers of Kansas. Each edition will be two full tab size pages featuring state Knights of Columbus programs, news and activities. There will be no advertising in these issues. Expected Publication Dates: Summer July Fall September Winter February ~ARTICLE GUIDELINES~ Columns and articles from State Officers, program directors and chairman will have priority for publication in the Knight s-lite. State sponsored events and activities will also be used. Council sponsored projects, events, or activities will only be used as space permits. If the publicity chairmen have any notable news items that they feel would be beneficial to ALL Knights throughout the state and would like them publicized in the Knight s-lite, please the article to me. We will use as much information as space permits. Editing will be done as needed. Articles should be ed. Photos of high quality and definition should be ed. Pictures should be sent as an attachment with your article. Please identify all people in the pictures from left to right. Check presentations, pictures of council officers and council events are better publicized in your local newspapers and/or in your local Diocesan paper. Todd R. Bachamp State Program Director Program & Membership Guide Page 31